Parfit’s P

Philip Pettit; Michael Smith

doi:10.1093/oso/9780199253364.003.0015

Parfit’s P

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

In Reasons and Persons, Derek Parfit describes two theories of rationality, the Self00ADinterest Theory, S, and the Present-aim Theory, P. ‘S and P are simply related: they are both theories about rationality’ (p. 129). Parfit thinks that S represents an overwhelming orthodoxy. ‘The Self-interest Theory has been believed by most people for more than two millennia’ (p. 194). P is not a single theory, but rather a class of theories, and Parfit thinks that one of those versions of P which he describes as critical-CP-is the best theory. He rejects some versions of CP, but leaves a number of candidates in the field. ‘We should reject the Self-interest Theory about rationality, and accept the Critical Present-aim Theory’ (p. 450).

Original language	English (US)
Title of host publication	Mind, Morality, and Explanation
Subtitle of host publication	Selected Collaborations
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Pages	295-321
Number of pages	27
ISBN (Electronic)	9781383039337
ISBN (Print)	9780199253364
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780199253364.003.0015
State	Published - Jan 1 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

General Arts and Humanities

Keywords

Parfit
describes
orthodoxy
rationality
reject

Access to Document

10.1093/oso/9780199253364.003.0015

Cite this

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Parfit’s P

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